Knights of Columbus prepare for return of charitable events

Oct. 20, 2021 | Matt Conway
mconway@thereminder.com

CHICOPEE – The Knights of Columbus are returning to in-person events for Council 4044 in Chicopee with their upcoming Oct. 30 event Addams Family Halloween Buffet at the Castle of Knights on 1599 Memorial Dr.

Current District Deputy and Past Grand Knight Don Darcy shared that the concept originated from his wife’s idea to get fundraising efforts going. “We are hoping parents will go and people will come in with their Halloween costumes on,” said Darcy. The buffet-type dinner will cost $20 for adults, $5 for children ages 4 through 12 and no cost for children 3 and under. Dining options include lasagna, a garden salad and chicken française for adults, as well as chicken tenders and mac and cheese for children. All proceeds will go to the Knight’s charitable fund, with the event also including games and a photo booth for participants, according to Darcy.

This event marks a crucial step forward for the Knights, who have had most of their charitable projects impacted by the ongoing pandemic. “The problem with COVID has been the number of people who can meet indoors. Everyone had to go and be enlightened by Zoom,” said Darcy. The district deputy revealed that the Knights had to cancel several events over the course of the year, including their annual Thanksgiving dinner that serves up to 3,000 people. Darcy said there is preliminary discussion about a take-out version of the dinner, but there is no confirmation if the event will happen.

Event cancelations caused a diminishing of fundraising for the 4044 Council in Chicopee, which possesses the largest council in the state with over 1,000 members, according to Darcy. “It is really affecting us, it has affected easily up to 40 to 45 charities during the pandemic,” said Darcy.

Before the pandemic, the Knight’s charitable events would donate funds for up to nine different charities a month, including Habitat for Humanity, the Springfield Diocese, Sunshine Village, the Valley Opportunity Council and the American Cancer Society among the many groups. During the pandemic, the council continued to make donations through their membership dues, according to Darcy.

With cases decreasing across local communities, the Knights have jumpstarted a return to their normal operations. Darcy said the group has reactivated their weekly Bingo Night on Thursdays, with plans of reviving their annual events next year already underway. “We want to preserve the health and well-being of any individual, we’ll help anyone. We’re trying to get everyone back in the swing of things,” said Darcy.

Readers can purchase tickets for the Addams Family Halloween Buffett on Thursdays and Fridays until Oct. 22 from 6 to 8 p.m. Readers can also learn more about the Knight’s upcoming events at https://www.kofc4044.com/.

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